Contributed in 2007:
I started listening to the Dead in 1967 at age 15. Hey, what can one say.....words at times can not be spoken or written of what he has brought to so many. A true avatar (John Barlow) was the best description of Jerry at the time of his passing. As a good friend of mine has said to me, while listening to him play.....listen to the love and joy coming from his guitar how true.
Jerry Thank You........
Tony
Jackson, NJ
Dear Jerry,
It has been 12 years and nothin's gonna bring you back. You're gone. Please know you live on in the hearts and souls of so very many, God knows how many, and you always will. Even the young people, too young to have gone to see you when you were here making your astonishing music for us, they love you and carry you in their hearts and keep you in their ears and listen to you every day, just like me. I meet them at jamband gatherings. You should see all the festis around the country that have cropped up in your honor and in your spirit since you left us. We all need a show. We all thought we had changed the world back then, and reflecting on it later you said you thought we had failed. But that's not entirely so! The young people I meet at these gatherings pick my brain about what it was like to be part of the family. They see I am old by their standards (only 3! years younger than when you left us for the other side), old enough to have experienced you while you were here. They carry you in their pockets Jer, can you believe that? In these little computerized boxes called ipods where you can store 60 or more gigabytes (that's a shitload) of your music. I have hundreds of complete Dead and JGB shows on mine. We are ever thankful to the tapers (shhhhhhhh!) and the original traders of yesteryear and to you and the inner family for tolerating them so well. We're still trading shows :) The soundboards sound wonderful through these ipods. I wish I could show you, you'd freak on it. Alot has changed, but not all things. You are still showing us the light in the strangest of places if we look at it right. The family is aging Jer, and scattered since you left us, but the young people and generations to come will carry on in your spirit forever. Many of them will, I see it happening. ! Even Bo bby is gray you know, and he wears a bushy beard. But he's still skinny and he still wears his cute little shorts :) His Ratdog is going strong. Phil's been ailing again but thankfully he seems better and has announced a Fall tour with his friends. I'm going to see him again at Red Rocks in Sept. Unfortunately the two don't talk to one another anymore, let alone play together. I'm sure you'd put a stop to that if you were here. Mickey and Bill are still playing too, and Donna's singing again, with an incredible band called the Zen Tricksters. Their lead guitarist, Jeff Mattson, has an uncanny ability to conjure up your spirit when he plays. Thank you for making those occasional appearances through him, we relish them. Sadly, Vince is gone now, he missed you so, but you know that. He's up there jamming with you. I hear it sometimes, in the secret space of dreams, where I dreaming lay amazed. Through the transitive night! fall of diamonds. I can hear when anyone who sang a song so sweet is passing by. Speaking of whom, please give my love to Janis. And Pig! And Keith and Brent. I look forward to dancing to your eternal sounds when I get there. God I miss you.
Fare you well my only true one. They call me RamblingRose because I know this song, it ain't NEVER gonna end.
Jerry in the Sky,
I saw Jerry in the Sky, Flying By while at the beach today. No I wasn't high, it was just him in the mix of a big cloud soaring high above me while watching the surf a Robert Moses State park here in New York. I turned to my daughter to show her and she said high. Now I'm home in the middle of the night after midnight and awake listening to some old Dead while a storm is a brewing to unleash some rain to water the ground and make it all grow. The years fly by and I listen to him and the band just about every day, yes I miss him but he is still here in our souls and it makes me smile, that is what he does for me in every way. Oh yes I almost forgot, I was up in Saratoga Springs this weekend with the family and catching the Allman Brothers show and had a flashback to the good old 80's shows at SPAC, gosh it seems like yesterday I was sleeping in the lot. This whole week has been an extra Jerry week with an extra smile in the mix.
Peace and Roses
When I was stationed at a military base in the San Francisco area 20 years ago, I got my first really big exposure to the Grateful Dead culture. Deadhead friends told me of the Dead's love of playing music, particularly rock'n'roll and its roots: jazz, blues, folk, country, gospel et al. It became clear that the Dead is truly an American institution. It's been a long strange trip for you, Jerry, I hope now you're resting in peace with God. Happy birthday and thank you Jerry. Ain't nothing left to do but SMILE, SMILE, SMILE. California Sun
P.S. I was playing the Dead's excellent 1981 CD Reckoning as I wrote this. Rock on.
We Love You Jerry! We miss you so very much. It will never be the same now here on Earth without you. See you Soon My Brother and once again we will Jam, we will Dance, and we will Smile.
August 10, 1995, 12:25 a.m., Encinitas CA
I heard the news today
oh boy
It could always be
the last time
But there would always be one more
to lay me down
To hear sweet lies
as if they were the truth
More lucy in the skies
as if it were
the first time
Once I called myself
a poet
But I didn't hear the muse that day
or any other
Like I heard Jerry
and guitar
A simple twist of fate
sent shivers through me
Only to be shattered by a tap
upon my shoulder
By the waitress
Who brings me back
to reality now...
Everything is now
and then
is tomorrow
any different?
Tricks of the wordsmith
cannot return him
Any more than hell
could burn him
Were that some cruel joke
to send my man below
No, there's only one -
and having picked
and sung
the figure does move on
Ah, but the image lingers
like the utter joy
of loved ones
each and all
Sweet William
oh, he's buried
in the loozyana
country
oh, he's in the ground
it's just the pleasure
and the peace,
the truly precious treasure
that stays around
look around
until you find it
you'll know it when you do
Use the heart he gave you
and you'll see with it
Doubt truth to be a liar
but never doubt that
love and light inspire
only set a funeral pyre
for lost Ophelia
who slept at the chance
to dream
who was Jerome
he was a rider
that angels could carry
only so far
they brought him to us
for a short time
or a long time -
depending
all in all
on how one measures
eternity
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.
May all beings exist in Happiness!
Jai Guru Jerry Garcia Namah.
Victory and homage to the Guru in us all that is Jerry!
Om, We worship your lotus feet and offer our hearts, prayers, and music in your honor!
12 years and I'm still hearing new shows. Podcasts - streaming audio. Jerry rides in my front dashboard facing out and ahead keeping me on track. I still get a tear now and then when listening to the glorious music. My dog just came to see you last week jerry, take care of her please.
It seems as though it was yesterday I had the privilege to witness true magic in the flesh. Being only 11 at the time, I was still very unfamiliar with all of the eccentricities and intricacies of a Grateful Dead show although I had been listening to them for years. Blessed with a family that embraced their music, rather than pigeonholed it, I was able to learn at a very young age what community and life was all about. It seems only fitting that today we remember what an honor it was to be a part of it all. I feel very proud to say I was witness to the 6/30/95 show (famous for the rain set, which Jerry called out before coming to the stage to light it up shortly after setbreak..... Rain --->Box of Rain-->Samba in the Rain--->Looks Like Rain). Today is a day to give thanks to the true joy this band brought to an aching world.
"Now that the singer is gone, Where shall we go for the song?"
--Robert Hunter
Whoa whoa what I want to know is where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday that I met up with my sisters and brothers down at the Lincoln Memorial for an impromptu candlelight vigil to keep your love and light alive. Some of my best times, best friends and best lost memories are thanks to you, Jer. Keep your light shining down on us all and thank you for a real good time!!!! xoxoxo KINDMTNMAMA
There are very few people in this world who are able to achieve the iconic status Jerry did without becoming abhorently brazen about it and feeling the need to wave their dick in the wind of any political, cultural, or social situation that is the current fad. Jerry cared about none of this. He was the most adored single figure of his time and chose to ignore this as a whole. We didn't need him to tell us what to look for, we only needed to hear his music. And that's all he wanted us to hear. Regardless of the techinical prowess of his playing at any given time, the emotive content of his music, be it lyrical or musical, will never be matched, at least in my mind. No one man can sing out of tune while screaming "Mona Lisa must of had those Highway Blues, I can tell by the way she smiles" and make the hair on everyone's neck who will ever hear it stand up on end, the way he can (or did). No fuck that, still does, every time I hear it to this day I lose it, for no particular reason, sober as a rock leaving a business meeting , it will never change. Let us remember him for what he was, a truly beautiful man, too complicated for us to understand, yet so simple we all did. I will never forget this man, and I know that none of you will either. Tonight I raise my glass to you Jerome, as I play the first lick of "Loser" on my old Martin and dream of the days when I will hear it again. Perhaps tonight in my dreams, as have so many nights before!
I saw that the '91 Hampton JGB show is out now. Today of all days my thoughts dwell on Garcia. What a great night that was. The band was tight, Jerry rocked, and the crowd was all in. Hampton (the house that Jerry built as we call it in the family) was always a great place to see shows. Dozens of us came down from Maryland to see the show and crammed into a couple of rooms at the Red Roof Inn. Jerry, Bruce and Melvin just jammed away to the heavens. The only down side was that the show ended. We would have stayed all night. It was magic through and through. Thanks for putting the show out there so everyone can have a taste of the sweetness.
Wow..I was just listening to a days between from L.A. 94, and this is where I send my thoughts. spooky. 12 years since we have lost a true legend. I think about Jerry very often, and wish I had got to meet him. Thanks so much for the music you shared with us. I will never ever forget you. rest well my friend
I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry in 1980, as he walked between his trailer and the stage. Concert was in Edwardsville, I, I was 15. It was just the two of us, we shared beers! I'll never forget (1983 I met Bobby, Phil and Mickey, got my photo in Rolling Stone, those were the days). I live in Chicago and was at the last show. I remember them playing, "the music never stopped" - and all I could do was smile, smile, smile.
Got the news on August 9th and had to leave work early. All my friends were calling, making sure I was ok. I'll never forget ALL the great memories of the Dead Shows.
How's the party Jerry?
12 Years ago was the hardest day of my life. I just moved back to L.A. from Michigan on the heels of the last Grateful Dead show ever. Chicago was hard to watch as Jerry seems to be fading away before my eyes. I just started my new job and was getting ready to buy my tickets for the Grateful Dead at Glen Helen on Saturday. I was so pumped to be back in L.A. with my friends and getting ready to see Jerry Rock again. Wednesday August 9 1995 at 8:00am I showed up to work and Jose Garcia of all people was talking to his friend when I overheard his say Jerry Garcia died. I heard this a thousand times before so I was use it hearing it. I went to the TV in the break room and turned it on. The first image I saw was Jerry and I knew it was true. I fell down to my knees in tears. I just started my job 2 days ago as I walked into my boss's office. Behind him was a huge poster of John Lennon and before I could ask him for the day off, he told me about Dec. 8 and the day he heard about John. He told me to take all the time I needed....WOW! That was the hardest day of my life saying good-bye to the man who showed me my soul and told me through his music that I'm not crazy and everything is gonna be alright. Thank You JERRY form the bottom of my wounded heart.
Nothing left to do but SMILE-SMILE-SMILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless Jerry Garcia
Stone Malone
12 years and 10,000 tears, the years race by and the emptiness in my heart still hasn't left. I miss him everyday but never so much more than in the first nine days of August. It was more than the music he took us places he never dreamed he was going and I was always so indebted for the wonderful ride. This day also reminds me of the other fallen brothers and sisters from our family whether they be directly connected with the band or in our own personal lives. As I am listening to the last Jerry birthday show the band played and remembering the joy it was to share as many shows as was able to with my younger brother. Phil, Mike, Rhoda, Stanley Jay, Stinky (Brian), Jerry pipe Dave, and all the Pig Hunters past and present I love you all and take good care of your self's.
Chris K
Chicago/Kansas City/Ames/Tempe
It's the morning of August 9th as I write this, just home from midnight shift where we snuck a couple of shots and a toast in the locker room as we do every year when the clock strikes midnight and the 8th gives way to the 9th. The guys who join me barely know Jerry from Adam but can feel my sorrow and sense of loss and never fail to stand with me, risking our employment to pay our respects. Now I'm home and listening to the Golden Gate Park memorial from 08.13.95, another August 9th tradition that always chokes me up, hearing the tributes from Jerry's family and peers is about as far from easy listening as you can get but it just seems like the right thing to do on this day. Is there anything heavier than Hunter's Elegy For Jerry? Makes Visions of Johanna sound like Zippedee-doo-dah by comparison, with all due respect to Dylan. Gets me thinking of a sorta holy trinity of Days Between, the Elegy, and The Wind Blows High, the last song Jer and Hunter wrote together plus the first (?) one Hunter wrote after Jerry's demise, with the Elegy in between, these 3 are Hunter's best works ever for my money, among fierce competition. Now the 8.13 recording has made it to the "beautiful jam" from Port Chester '71, is there any sweeter music ever made? Godamn, I miss Jerry *so* much. More than words can tell.
Something's gone away and ain't comin' back
The crew's already tearin' up the track
True to me,
True to my dyin' day, he said
Now that the singer is gone,
Where will I go for the song?
Gave the best we had to give,
how much we'll never know
Thanks for everything Jerry, I guess EVERYTHING oughta be capitalized and underscored and italicized and can't possibly be overstated, for nobody ever gave more and never was it more gratefully received and never with a more open heart and blown mind. "The Best There Ever Was" even sells you short, brother, you were one of a kind - the kindest - and we'll never see another one like you. Think I'll fish out the Truckin' Up To Buffalo video and watch you and Brent grinning at each other trading licks during NFA, maybe it'll cheer me up. Or maybe I'll cry some more, it's all good. After that maybe watch you sing Visions on the grainy boot from Soldier Field, the second last show, pouring it all out one last time. Raising your fist to the crowd on the Mona Lisa line while the roar from the crowd drowns out the band and looking like you'll live forever. And you will man, I for one will never forget. Thanks again my patron saint, for everything, for all the best times in my life, see you up there sometime.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Oh Man, 12 years, I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was in Oregon on vacation and all this Dead music was playing on the radio as we were driving back from dinner and I kept saying, "What a great station," then the DJ came on at a break and I first heard about Jerry, Crushing is all I can say. You get those moments on your Ipod when you can just feel his soul coming through the guitar, like he's almost pouring out feelings that are coming from the depths of his feelings and you know what, YOU JUST SMILE!! Yep that's what he does to me. On this day, try to find a copy of Shining Star live by the JGB , sit back listen and remember the Master and Smile.
Thanks Jerry
Swede
This time of year is always so bittersweet for me, as it is for countless others I'm sure. Two years ago my wife and I went to Memphis to visit Graceland, which was awesome, but the real treat for me was checking Jerry's artwork that was on display at a local gallery. It was one of those moments, to see that side of his life and to feel so close. Also, having just experienced the King's world made me realize how much those two had in common. Anyway, it was magical but kind of sad.
I was lucky enough to see several dead shows and JGB twice. Still listen to the music all the time. Saw Phil last year, which conjured up the live vibe again, and it was so good. It will always be such a part of me. The spirit does indeed live on. -- Kevin
Twelve years and never forgotten Jerry.
Shine on, keep on shining.
Paul, High Wycombe, England
HEY MAN WHY DOSEN'T ANY ONE REMEMBER JERRY LIKE EVERYONE REMEMBERS ELVIS.
IT'S BEEN 12 YEARS SINCE JERRY DIED & THE MEDIA OR TV STATIONS DON'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT JERRY'S LIFE WITH THE DEAD.
THE GRATEFUL DEAD WAS THE GREATIST BAND EVER.
I MISS HIM EVERYDAY HE PLAYED MUSIC LIKE NO ONE ELSE & NO ONE ELSE HAS EVER COPIED HIM.
I WAS IN SAN DIEGO WHEN HE DIED THERE WAS CANDLE LIGHT VISUALS ON THE BEACH.
IT WAS SO SAD LIKE A ERA HAD DIED.
HIS MUSIC WILL LIVE ON WITH ALL THE PEOPLE THAT DO REMEMBER WHAT A GREAT GUY HIS WAS.
PEACE & LOVE
HIPPIE CHICK
There is a new DEAD FREAKS CAMP IN 55116 Mainz Germany
welcomes you. I still feel him inside
Dear Community- It is a blazing hot day here in Pennsylvania and I just got out of a hot car after listening to a Blazin HOT China- Rider in the car. I miss good old Jerry everyday! But I know that he is at peace. The man just made so much great HAPPY music!!! LOVE YOU BROTHER!!! BEST, Ralph
by accident I happened to end up on your page and felt encouraged to drop you a line in memorial of Jerry Garcia. I got infected with the Dead after staying in the US as an exchange student in 1991. Ever since the Dead - and Jerry - have accompanied me all over the world. Being currently posted in Vietnam, I also cherish Jerry's guitar playing and singing here. Wherever I go I make sure to have a solid collection of songs by the dead with me.
Therefore I would like to share your thoughts of Jerry Garcia and tell you that also in Southeast Asia Jerry's music lives on ...
All the best,
Oliver
thank you Jerry for a feal good time!! so many shows, and so many roads, I am left with so many great memories! Those memories will never fade away , and niether will my love for Jerry. You are dearly missed Jerry, but will not be frogotten. Such an impact on my life you have made, certainly August is a month of rememberance, but no matter what day, or month it is, Jerry your music still sends chills up & down my spine! see you in the promised land! forever love, LDK
Hey now, I ve been shaking my bones since 1972. Jerry and the boys have been a big part of my life. I have very good memories of shows. It was a very sad day when I heard the news about Jerry s death, I was on vacation at Misqumicuit beach in Rhode Island, I heard something on the radio, I thought they were advertising for the Boston Garden shows, But I was wrong. It was definitley one of the saddest days in my life. I bought a black T shirt with Garcia on it in 1992 from Haight Ashbury in Cali, I wore that shirt for 3 days then framed it. His spirit will always stay with me and my family and friends. Keep playing in heaven Jerry. Smile Smile Smile..........Shelly R I......Peace
wow! hs it really been twelve years? hard to believe. I got on the bus in 1970 and rode through a modest 25 shows over the next 25 years. every time it was something that we needed. we'd say "it's about time for a Dead show" and they'd be around. Being a guitar player myself, it was like going to school. I learned alot from listening to Jerry play guitar and pedal steel too!
But folks, please remember that Jerry did not only give us music lessons, he also gave us life lessons. As in how not to live ones' life. Staying healthy is more important than anything. So, eat right, drink right and do both in moderation. Stay away from the crap that keeps you locked up inside and embrace people around you because in the end that's all we have. If Jerry would have payed more attention to his body and stayed away from the Persian, he'd still be with us and the Dead and JGB would also.
Dave Cubbedge
I would just like to say my thoughts are with jerry, especially this time of year, as I was born on aug 1 1959, jerry's 17th birthday. since there are no holidays in august, let's make august 1st jerry garcia day. thank you for your kindness. robert haut
My friend Jeff came by with some music for me to check out yesterday, and he mentioned that it was J. G. birthday . He mentioned that perhaps I spend some time with some music to pay my respects, so that's what I did. I found my copy of the grateful dead movie and went for the tune, Stella blue. Stella turns out the way it does in the song.
Indeed. Happy Birthday Jerry.
I started listening to The Dead when I was in high school, which was not that long ago. My dad would not allow me to go to a show so I decided that as soon as I go away to college it would be the first thing I was going to do. Well, it wasn't in the cards because Jerry passed away... I was crushed for awhile but it was college, I found plenty of stuff to do. I always remained a fan and listened to the music on a regular basis, but it stopped playing such a prominent part in my daily routine.
Then, one day a few years ago, I picked up a Dead CD and while I was listening I started thinking. About Jerry and what he stood for and how I wished I had been able to experience him play first hand. It made me sad but it inspired me at the same time. I have been devoted ever since.
There is not much out there to listen to these days; music sucks, what is referred to as entertainment is ridiculous and most who are in the public eye stand for much of nothing... they have no ideals, integrity or heart. Jerry had heart, The Dead had heart...things were very different in that era. My generation and those that followed are missing all that came with The Grateful Dead and the culture of that time.
My 2 year old hears the music come on and she hollers "That's Jerry, mama..." And I say, "I know, honey...just listen."
I know more about life from listening to Jerry, I know I am a better person because of it...
12 steps, 12 days, 12 years?!?
Has it been that long.
So vivid, it still remains, but not the same.
The song will never be the same.
"Live" that is.
Let us all lift up our hands and reflect some of what Jerry gave to us today.
Nathan from the Eastern Shore
Aug. 1, 2007
Days between...........
Fare thee well o' Jerome "Jerry" Garcia (August 1, 1942 - August 9, 1995),
and thank you for a real goodtime!!!!Thank you for the shows, the
unforgettable memories, learning about kind people, and traveling abroad to
see my beautiful country. You changed my life Jerry, I miss you so! Can
you believe it is going to be 12 years since you died? Woh - oh, what I
want to know, where does the time go?
Those were some golden days!!!!! I'd like to take that ride again, again!
PEACE
Contributed in 2006:
There are two days in my life that I will always remember where I was and what I was doing. One was 9/11 and the other was the day that Jerry Garcia died.
I was living in the Philadelphia area and listening to Pierre Robert from WMMR as I always did in the morning. I was listening to the radio a little later that morning and Pierre was playing a lot of Dead. It was surprising to me because he had just played a lot the week before for Jerry's birthday. Then Pierre came on the radio and said, "For those just tuning in, it's a sad day today. Jerry Garcia has passed away..." He went on to give what details people had known at that time. I sat at my desk in complete surprise...I couldn't believe what I just heard. I had just seen what would have been the last 3 shows in Philadelphia (with Jerry) in March and Phil had played Unbroken Chain for the first time. They were incredible shows!
The Dead to me were my "grounding". When things got a little stressful I would say, "I need a show". I was lucky enough to have seen 25 shows with Jerry and have since seen 2 shows without.
Jerry Garcia will always be missed, but thankfully we have years of music to keep us going on those days when someone "needs a show".
Kathy Middlebrook
Harrisburg, PA
What a pleasure it was to be in his presence and listen the way he connected his musical dots. The Pure Jerry series allows use a certain sense of enjoying his presence once again and to travel through ones own mind to recall the memory of one of Jerry's great smiles our maybe even a little Jerry jig to something that really musically excited him. What Jerry was all about was sharing. Sharing with the band, sharing with the fans, sharing in the spiritual consciousness that we all tapped into while in his company. He transmitted the positive possibilities of life's existence for all that wished to step out on a long strange trip and become a participant in the way things ought to be...
jross
Jerry's passing still makes my eyes fill with tears. Although I miss him, I miss them all together the most.
Jonn S.
Alexandria, VA
I have been a dead head since I could remember. Their songs have always moved me and gone along with whatever is happening in my life at that time. When I was pregnant back in 89 ,my daughter was due on July 21st. I held on to her until aug 1st. That is a true dead head I believe!!! When Jerry passed on, it almost killled me. I felt like my brother died,it took so much from me. I have never loved any other band this much. And every aug, I have my own memorial for him. It seems so sad in the music world now with all these awful bands that are out now it is really hard to enjoy music.
So I just want to say thanks Jerry, you are truly missed by this dead head. And I will always be a true fan!!!!
Joann Hill
Dear Jerry:
Con La Tua Musica Sei Sempre Con Noi.
AUGUSTO
August 1, is a special day for me. One, my daughter Abigail was born on this day for one. Two, well, we all know why. I will play only JGB, Grateful Dead for this period of ten days. I love this music deeply and never tire of it. Jerry's music is so special, you will always be uplifted by it. The days in between have become a ritual for me and my friends. We will always miss Jerry. We will also be forever grateful to him for devoting his life to making the music for us. Jerry lived life to the fullest everyday. Thanks Jerry, you are gone but not forgotten, you will always live on in my life.
Philip Gossett. Simpsonville, SC. July, 24, 2006.
It's the first week of July, 1995 and I have spent the entire week in Madison, WI on business. At the last minute I'm told that I need to stay over on Friday & Saturday nights to complete the job at hand. Pissed off beyond belief, I decide make my company pay for a change of flight so that I can catch Jerry and the boys @ Soldier Field before returning home in Ft. Lauderdale. I jumped off the plane in Chicago dressed in suit & tie, caught a cab to Soldier Field and waited for my miracle. Little did I know this would be my 107th show and last.
Still to this day, I miss the Dead and the JGB. However, my solice is found in knowing that I saw a rippin' show and stuck my corporation with the bill!!
Stay in Touch,
Tony Barnfield
Contributed in 2005:
Hard to believe it's been ten years since we lost Jerry. On this, his birthday, I find myself wondering how different things might be if he were still around. Would we still have a war? Same people in Washington? Same chill in the cultural air? Maybe, but maybe not. Whether he wanted to or not, Jerry definitely stood for ideals of tolerance and the importance of keeping an open mind. There's less of that now. Jerry, and the Dead, and the whole Deadhead trip also stood as a reminder that it's no crime to just have fun once in a while. A lot of people seem to have forgotten that, too. Which is a pity because now it's more important than ever to stay aware of that fact.
That's some pretty heavy baggage to lay on any artist. In the last ten years we've all heard how that responsibility disturbed Jerry and might have hastened his death. Unfortunately, it wasn't his choice to make. At some point society's need for a Prankster kind of alternative became so great that Jerry's talent was the only thing big enough to fill it. All said, we were probably lucky to have him as long as we did.
For myself, the music is still the most important thing. Always was, no matter how much I liked the circus atmosphere or the friends I made on tour. But like everyone who had those experiences, I continue to carry that slightly skewed perspective through life. Whether it's made my life better or not, I can't really say. But I do know that even with a war, and some true weirdness in Washington, and a culture that often doesn't reflect my values at all, it's still OK to have fun.
Happy Birthday, Jerry! And thanks!
Jerry Garcia's mind and music have providied comfort to me during the most stressful, painful, dull and hellish times in my tumultous life. Jerry has the ability to start the day right, star it over and turn the day around. Brilliant man---- Rest In Peace Jerry!!
Thanks,
Ryan Burrell
Nashville, Tn
happy birthday dear jerry,
feeling very grateful for your unconditional love. thank you for bringing my such joy. a very special day indeed. like your music, you are eternal and always fill the air. i feel you radiating from my heart and i am so thankful for you.
you mastered it! now transcending time and space i feel the truth. love never dies, it is forever and unconditional.
you are a light worker and may i live to serve by your loving light example.
lay me down and breathe through me, i love you.
happy happy birthday my triple leo.
love, jeanne
ps how can i not think of you on my birthday, 9 august?
Jerry was a man
Who gave life to a guitar
And to us a dream
What a beautiful human being. I strive to accept and distribute a small percentage of the love that you did. Your music wraps around me like a warm blanket. I'm glad you're still with us in spirit but we miss you just the same.
What a pleasant surprise today when I got your email, subject Happy Birthday, Jerry. You see, Jerry and I were both born at exactly the same time and it has been a very fun thing for me to think of him, for years now, on "our birthday" August 1st. One time as the vans were taking the band members out of Compton Terrace in the Phoenix area, the vans were suddenly stopped for a moment by the crowd; the privacy window which was inches from me suddenly went down, and Jerry smiled at me and stuck out his hand and shook mine, window went up, the vans then were able to continue on their way out! This was the same year they decided to stay "one more day" and went over to Desert Sky Pavilion to perform!
It was just one of those wonderful things that always seemed to happen at a Dead Concert, of course, but my friend who had always thought it must be more than 'coinsidence' that we were both born Au gust first, has never looked at me the same since!
I am same age as Jerry, of course, and I miss him, I miss him and the Dead a lot. Then the words to the song Ripple start reminding me of how it is that someone's voice can come to us through the music, all the way from Heaven! and I feel Dead again!
Thank you, Jerry, and Happy Birthday again!
It is always so sad at this time of year, thinking back about Jerry's passing. I mean, everyone knew he would not last forever and it almost seemed like it could happen any day, but when it did finally happen, it was still shocking. My friend called me at work (like millions of other people calling their friends that day to tell them the shitty news) and it was the only phone call I got all summer. I still don't know how he got my number. Anyways, I went outside and listened to He's Gone and smoked a cigarette, which almost sounds to cliche, but that's what I did, sitting in an alley off of Franklin Street (no shit! I worked at the Sears Tower that summer) and just felt numb. It wasn't a friend or a parent or a relative but in some ways it was way more. I was going back to Madison for my final semester and seeing Jerry and the Dead was paramount to just about anything else in my life at the time. So when he died, that dashed all my hopes and dreams of finally going on extended tour when I graduated in the winter. It was really terrible.
You know what though? Like any good book or movie, it's always got to come to an end. It was never going to end well and nobody would ever be happy about it, but it was like yanking off a Band-Aid-just do it quick when I'm not looking. And all the memories we all have about going to shows and meeting new and crazy people and getting high and above all else, loving the music and the band, the anniversary of Jerry's passing, while being sad in it's rememberence, is also the best time to reflect on the happiest memories of all-being there.
Rest in Peace, Old Man.
Jon M.
Chicago
Well it just seems like yesterday when you could wake up with that feeling of going to another show or hanging out in a parking lot scene unfortunately those days are gone but Jer you lit up my life in so many amazing ways that I want to wish you a verry happy birthday and tell all the other boys that are up with you hello as well.
"when it seems like this night will last forever......
Every August 1st I find myself automatically thinking, "today is a great day, it's Jerry's Birthday". I usually throw on the stereo and play my favorite Jerry tunes, where Jerry really sings his heart out. ie: So Many Roads, Stella Blue, Standing On The Moon, and many, many more. I remember one day I was visiting my friend out in San Diego. On Jerry's Birthday we rolled a keg onto the beach, turned on some classic Dead from the late 70's, and I saw the most amazing rainbow arching into the Pacific. It was then followed by an enchanting sunset. I knew that Jerry was looking down, getting ready to blow out his birthday candles. Ya gotta love that jolly old man. I never forget August 9th either. Although it is a day for mourning, I still feel the need to celebrate the life of such an amazing man. The music never stopped!
-Peace-Love-& Jerry
-Mark
Happy Birthday, Jerry!
CIRCA 1987 - OUTSIDE THE STONE, SAN FRANCISCO
I was standing outside The Stone for a Jerry Band show, waiting for my buddy to show up. The rest of the group were already inside securing a table. It was about 20 minutes until show time and I was getting anxious. As I paced the sidewalk, a black limousine pulled up next to me. The trunk popped open and Jerry hopped out of the back seat. Jerry grabbed his guitar case and a briefcase out of the trunk. He looked at me as he headed for the stage door and I blurted out, 'Rip it up tonight, Jerry!'. He just gave that typical Garcia smirk, knodded, then disappeared past the stage door.
The Passion Never Stopped
To many a person the coming and going of August 1, 2005 is just another hot dog day of summer, for the passionate it is a time to reminisce the moments of greatness and joy Jerry and the Boys provided us all. I must admit that the passing of Jerry opened the door of fate. I personally would still be on the road if the circumstances of Jerry's addiction hadn't abound. Although my passion for the Dead hasn't changed the opportunity to come off the road led me to the other Loves of my life. I married a beautiful woman who shares my love of music and together created a little girl of precious joy. She now has learned that Jerry is dad's friend and everytime the Dead's on the stereo she recognizes the voice. Without further ado, God Bless the Grateful Dead!! We will never forget!
Trevor M
NJ
Hello. Well, once a year, the times comes near and we must reflect on the passing of Jerry Garcia. He truly made a difference in the lives of so many people, and for me, one large positive one.
Growing up, I listened to the Grateful Dead in high school, but I never really considered myself a huge fan. In college, I listened to them, but once again, not an extremely large fan. Even after my freshman year in school, I had tickets to see the Dead at RFK and was not too disappointed when I wasn't able to make it.
In 1995, a good friend of mine pulled me aside at a party and told me about his passing. Although still not a huge fan, as odd as it sounds, I felt a hollowing of my stomach. Almost as if a member of my family had been taken away from me. Still, this did not make me want to forever seek out the music of the Grateful Dead.
I guess about six months ago, at age 32, I was feeling quite lost, without any direction of what I want to do in my life. I had recently been let go from a career of 6 years, and was going back to school to figure out exactly it was that I was supposed to be doing.
One night, after a long alcohol induced sleep, I had the oddest dream. Someone unfamiliar to me came to me and said in a calm, soothing voice 'You can find all of your answers by listening to the Grateful Dead'. Having a memory like a fish, this is something that I think I will never forget, for as long as I live.
I had always wanted to be a teacher, why is simple, when I was in 11th grade, my English teach was the kindest man that I have ever known. With posters of the Dead, John Lennon and Hendrix on the walls in his classroom, I knew that there was no mean bone in his body. In my sense, that was how I always imagined Jerry Garcia to be as well.
How could someone like that have hate in their heart. He looked as if the kindest, non-judgmental person on the planet.
Since then, I have returned to school with the thoughts of becoming a special education teacher. I have always wanted to make a positive contribution to the people, to help them, to encourage them to be treated as everyone should, somebody.
In my mind, this is how I feel Jerry would have wanted it to be, how the Grateful Dead would want it to be. Everyone is created equal under the stars. Regardless of sex, race, disabilities, everyone deserves a chance.
Thank you Jerry.
Bill Kendall
I shall never forget driving to work coming down the Pali, the beauty of the city and the ocean ahead when the radio announced that he had left us. I will never forget that moment. Immediately I called my husband and then our best friends who insisted that we must convene immediately after work and share our thoughts and memories and love of Jerry. We went to their house and drank a bottle of Vueve Cliquot and across the night sky a shooting star with an incredibly long tail went sailing over head.....
Later that year we went to a party at the Ramsay gallery (she does those incredible pen and ink drawings that have a magnifying glass hanging next to each one to look at the incredible detail) - honoring Jerry and his art. There was a contest to see who looked the most like Jerry. Oddly enough I won and no one knew I was a woman and some had eyebrows raised when I would lean over and kiss my husband. It was uncanny how I looked like him with my hair permed and wavy, the right amount of gray sprayed throughout, my old skeet shooting glasses darkly tinted just like Jerry had, I went and bought some oversized black pants and black t-shirt and stretched it about to it hung loosely and frumpily as his often did and I taped my finger down. People were shocked when I won and like I said shocked that I was a woman.
The last thing I really hold as a memory was when Jerry came here in 1990 for a show at the Waikiki Shell, what a show!! I have some great pictures from it too! Well Mahalo Jerry for all you gave us and the contributions you shared, we sure miss you! A hui hou and Mekealoha Pumehana - MEWSIE
Whilest once a youngin'
A childish man
He laughed out loud and
Started as we sang
He grew with Grace
And terrorized heart
Not compromising Fate
Nor Darkening parts
Time could be grudging
As it allways does
Jerome bloomed the Crowning
As if all were home
Thanx, Timmy from Tucumcari
YOU ARE MISSED!!!!!!!BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!! David
Jerry,
Thanks for all the musical ramblings...
Paul.
I am a 50 year old African-American attorney (an unusual combo for a dead aficionado,or is it?), born and raised in Bronx, NY. I went to my first Dead show, quite by accident at the Anderson Theatre in New York City's east village. I had no idea where I was, who the crazy people on stage or in the audience were or what exactly was happening. But on that night, at the show I experienced magic!!!!
Had it not been for the GD, I don't know where I would be now. I credit the GD 100% for catapulting me out of the Bronx, opening my mind and allowing me to realize that I really am the "eyes of the world."
I got on the bus and have been on it ever since. I've seen many, many shows, did several East Coast tours until I moved to California in 1974 and stayed plugged in until it all became too painful. The early '90s were difficult. The scene had totally changed, and it seemed the magic was gone. But was it really?
I have fond memories of many nights, at shows, when the muse visited and it was really magical!!!! The music sustained me; a show was a place I could go and completely let go. There are not a lot of places left where it is safe to, for a few hours, lose your mind and get inside of the music.
So, I miss Jerry and I celebrated his birthday by listening to"Eyes of the World" on my way to court this morning. After all of these years, I can still say "There is nothing like a Grateful Dead concert." And I am eternally grateful that I spent over 20 years of my life on the bus, with the band.
Algera M. Tucker, Esq.
High on the Mountain
On August 9th, 1995, 3 best friends and I set out to climb a 13,000 foot peak near Vail, Co. We left before 7am. The day was very beautiful and exillerating!!! When I got home 14 hours later my roommate had asked me about Jerry's passing. I didn't believe it. Evidently news had spread of Jerry's death around 7:30am, My friends and I were already heading into Solitude.
She then said "There's 16 messages on the answering machine for you" That's when I realized Jerry's passing was true. It's was a day that was so intense and fulfilling. Alot of kharma that day.
I've waited 10 years to write that story.
Peace
Jack Mac
The depth of Jerry's musicianship and his capacity to communicate instrumentally with his band mates hit me like a ton of bricks during a 1989 JGB show at Alpine Valley, WI. The musical dialogue between Jerry and Clarence Clemons during Don't Let Go was a jaw-dropping experience that is burned on my brain to this day!
Jerry's playful sense of humor came through often. One of this fan's favorite moments occurred in 1989 at The Grateful Dead's first appearance at Deer Creek, Indiana. Jerry experimented with MIDI during Space and morphed in and out of a warped theme from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." That really tickled my funny bone.
Me and my old buddies from Chicago and Portland, OR, miss Jerry and will always look back at our experiences at his shows with much joy and wonder. Thank you for preserving some of these fun moments. Best wishes to everyone there at jerrygarcia.com.
Sincerely,
Steve Clark
Vancouver, BC Canada
(formerly from Chicago & Portland, OR)
I was with my best friend today, visiting his dads' grave on the anniversary of his death and realized it was Jerry's B-Day too. So I prayed for both.
Love you Jerry,
Steven
What Jerry means to me is that there is a way to live life on your own terms and have a life so vital and creative as to become part of the world culture.Jerry is very much missed in my household,but we are much richer for having his presence and his art in our home.Happy Birthday Jerry,we love you.
As with many of you, my life was never the same after experiencing the Grateful Dead. Quite the phenomenon they were. With Jerry at the front, these wonderful musicians took us to infinity and beyond. When Jerry was on, it was truly magical. I never could put it into words to those who never experienced it. You just had to be there when it happened. I made it to 25 shows during the 90's starting with Brents last show. In 1994 at Deer Creek, I had what I considered the best seat for a Grateful Dead concert; 20th row center. Here I could take it all in, from the lights, to the stage setting, and yet close enough to see Jerry laughing as I totally launched into psylicybin heaven and was dancing harder than I ever had. I cleared two seats around me. As looked up at Jerry, I could swear he was looking right at me as he jerked his guitar. That set sent me to places I'd never been. I was so connected that ! night with what was going on with the music, that I felt I'd discovered the biggest piece of the cosmic puzzle and felt that Jerry had the other piece. During intermission, I walked down front and asked the security guard if he'd let me talk with Jerry as I felt the fate of the world rested on it. He declined to let me back to talk with him, but to this day, I wonder if I had, what strange developments my life would have taken. How much we'll never know, never know. Miss you much Jerry. Hope to see you again on the other side. Your friend, Glenn
When we heard Jerry and David Grisman do I'll Go Crazy by James Brown, Take Me by George Jones and Leon Payne, Frankie Lee and Judas Priest by Bob Dylan, Dark as A Dungeon By Merle Travis. We just could not get enough of this music. Like a wheel Jerry's music is the center of that musical wheel for us with a lot of other good music as the spokes but we always go back to the center, Jerry's music.His passing finally hit home in David Gisman's liner notes on Been All Around This World, "Now as the engine pulls into the station for possibly the last stop".That left a very big stunned feeling in us even though we still have all the spokes of the wheel to carry us on . Thank you for letting the Pure Jerry series come out. The wheel still roles!
Jeff Berrens
Washin
jerry lives......nothing else matters
I was still in High School,a buddy of mine and I were driving around Palo Alto,to check out some music,so the Keystone was one of our regular haunts,looked at the sign in bold letters Jerry Garcia Band,and sad but true they would'nt let me in but it was cool to stay at the door for free,so I did,clouds of skunky smoke floated my way,smelled familar :},I noticed that when Jerry was playing he would look over at me,off and on and to be acknowledged by him was pretty cool,smiling no less,I would have to look at Deadbase to give you a more accurate setlist of what he played that night,the date he played was a blur :{ but that liquid chimey meltdown that he does had me intranced,to this day I think about Jerry and or the Grateful Dead,this is true to according to Deadbase theres a couple August dates in 1965,well I was born 8/11/65 in Redwood City,California and they were possibly playing in there Warlocks incarnation then,so I always felt connected directl! y or indirectly to them be it syncronicity or divine intervention who knows,they would always play around my then little city of Sunnyvale, the Acid Test in Palo Alto or the one at big Nig's in San Jose,the Continental Ballroom in Santa Clara, Awalt High school in Mountain View,then the Famous "Shoreline Ampitheatre,so many simularities, Jerry's a Leo,so am I,his mom was of Irish blood so was mine,we both have/had glasses,my name rymns with his Jerry/Larry it goes on and on sorry if I'm boring you all,he meant alot to me,hereally had a magical air about him that went without saying,he created so much beauty in our world by bonding likeminded folks together,I have yet to see that happen again,he transended cool,as he aged he became more syphisticated and debinar in the hip sense, I can go on and on but he was human and humorous being Be Well Larry Smith Deadhead/Tapetrader :}
"JERRY WAS THAE FATHER THAT TAUGHT ME ALL THE THINGS THAT MY FATHER COULDN'T" ----- BOB MOLA.
I see Jerry as a prophet in my own time, but in a very special way. He didn't force his message on others, he simply allowed an energy to flow through him that you could join or ignore ("believe it if you need it, if you don't just pass it on"). Instead of telling you what to think, he helped guide you to a higher awareness that helped you to find your own place in the wheel. Being human, there was a shadow side to this. The "Dear Mr. Fantasy" side. He gave us SO much that his own energy got drawn out, and he compensated with all too human easy answers that led to alienation and addiction. Still, until the end, his heart was pure, and his intention true. There are no words to describe how important his influence was on my growth spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. His words encouraged me during hopeless times, the energy he let flow filled me up and made me ready to fight the hero's cause I saw before me, and the community he drew around him gave me a support system that sustains me to this day and continues to grow. All this just on a personal level. Now, 10 years later, I meet young kids on tour with the "jamband" scene he helped to create (without conscious intention) and I see how the seeds he planted will continue to grow and create a whole new way of experiencing music... as church, not just entertainment. I believe that this seed has the capacity to grow into a critical mass, the very force needed to push the wheel just a little bit "furthur" in these politically dark times. Let us take this chance to give thanks to a man that allowed himself to be a conduit for something bigger, to not let his ego overshadow the energy that flowed through him, that opened doors and brought a community together that will carry on his vision. THANK YOU JERRY.
Still Grateful, Still missing him, Still thankful, Megan.
August 1, 2005
Today I woke up and told my daughter that today is a
very special day... (Lily is almost 4) I told her we
should make sure to wish Jerry a Happy Birthday and
smile extra big at all of our neighbors and spread
lots of love in the world today. The name Jerry Garcia
and his music is something she has known since birth,
she's been asking for him since she could speak. When
I explained to her at the age of 2 where heaven was
she looked up and said.."mommy, I think I see Jerry."
My little girl is very smart for her age! So last
night instead of letting her pick the cd she wanted to
go to sleep to I picked it for her. It was her first
live show with Jerry that she went to sleep to. I
chose a show from 84' and she was lullabyed to sleep
by Scarlet, Fire, Never Trust a Women, Samson and
Delilah, Terripan, Drums into Space.
Lily didn't get up or call for me once which is not
common. I think she can feel it! Happy Birthday Jerry
and thank you for touching my soul and now my
daughters.
All my love and eternal dedication, Summre
SHINE.
It's a very simple thought, it's called "Smiling".
Jerry,
I miss you, even though I never knew you. Yet every day you live in my life, in your music, in my heart, as we clear the confusion, let the music play and learn the lessons of you and the Grateful Dead, to love one another.
I know you have peace now,
With Love,
Randall
My birthday too, is in August. The 10th to be exact. So 10 years ago I was just beginning to get into the Dead, and they were opening so many doors for me. I saw my one and only show in Charlotte on March 23. Looking back, ten years later I know how lucky I was to see that show, and I'm glad I got to see at least one. But my main memory of Jerry is a bittersweet one. My friends and I were gearing up for my 18th birthday. But instead of a celebration, it turned into a mourning. Obviously we all know what happened the day before my b-day. So Jerry passed the day before I turned 18, forever keeping him and I (in my own way) linked. I would just like to pass on my thanks and deep gratitude to Jerry and the Dead for opening my mind to different ways of thinking, different ways of living, and treating people everywhere different. To be a little more patient, to see the big picture, to be a little more forgiving! , and to just be a little nicer. And of course the music. Oh the music!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you for the music. For the music truly never stops, and I for one am damn Grateful for that. Lastly I'd like to thank the people who are behind the Pure Jerry releases, and the Jerry Garcia website. In the tradition of Dick's Picks you guys are keeping the music flowing and it's a great thing, and is definitely needed. (Especially the recent LOM release, man I've been waiting for that for a long time!) So thanks Jerry, happy birthday my friend, RIP. We love you. And our love WILL NOT fade away.
Mike Cohen
When the one-year anniversary of Jerry's passing was coming, Relix
Magazine asked readers whether they intended to celebrate Jerry's Birthday
or the anniversary of Jerry's death. I contemplated this and thought that
here is enough life, talent, and-God knows-material to celebrate the whole
span. So, I began celebrating, what I call, "The Nine Days of Jerry,"
listening to him exclusively from August 1st through 9th. In Numerology,
the number "9" has many positive connotations, not the least of which is
fullness or completeness. Even for a life cut so short, Jerry lived more,
did more, and created more than most people. Really, nine days can barely
contain the highlights.
I have never gotten over Jerry's death. He played the background music
for my life. Even ten years later, I still cry at times. Sometimes I get
angry; but, usually, when I think of him, see a photo or video, or hear a
special piece, I just have an involuntary deep sigh, and I say, "Oh Jerry."
As much as I miss him and the unparalleled joy I always enjoyed whenever I
was in the same room as him (even if it was a huge room), I'm thankful for
every live and recorded moment. Some people listen to Sinatra or Mozart or
others. They'll listen to these artists until the day they die, and they
don't care if they're the only ones left on the planet who are. I know I'll
listen to Jerry Garcia that way, too. I have recordings of hundreds of
artists I really enjoy; but, as soon as a band with Jerry starts playing,
especially if I've been listening to someone else for more than a few days,
I'm always struck by how special he was (is!). His music makes many others
sound two dimensional. Jerry sits atop my personal pyramid when it comes to
creativity, diversity, styles, empathy-and fun!
This morning, August 1th, my wife and I stayed home from work. We needed
a day to pull up old carpeting. I reminded Janine that it was Jerry's
Birthday, and she lit up, "Oh, so we'll listen to Jerry all day." Did I
marry the right woman, or what? We began with Old and In The Way's
"Breakdown," played a number of CDs from the Dead's "So Many Roads" Box Set,
and concluded with The Pizza Tapes. Just an appetizer for the next eight
days. When Old and In The Way was playing, Jerry's banjo sounded, perhaps,
more like him than any other instrument: both bright and warm at the same
time. At one point, his pickin' was so beautiful, I had to say to Janine,
"Listen to that! There's a whole career for another musician." And, I know
in the days to come, with the Jerry Garcia Band and others, I'll think to
myself, as I have a thousand times, "He could have just been a great blues
guitarist," or "He could have been a great jazz player," or "He could have
spent a whole career backing up some other vocalist." Some of my favorite
Jerry riffs are in Bob Weir songs, when Jerry didn't have to focus on
singing.
But, I'm so grateful that Jerry did sing. His voice may not have been
commercially polished, but his sincerity-his life's experience-certainly
came through in a way few other singers did. On the Old and In The Way
"Breakdown" CD, the band sings, "Wild Horses." Listen to that great
rendition of that great song. Throughout the song is the refrain, "Wild,
wild horses, we'll ride them someday." The band sings that line as a
chorus, with Peter Rowan's voice being prominent. BUT, the very, very last
time they sing it in the song, it's just Jerry singing "We'll ride them
someday." There's a poignancy his voice expresses during those simple four
words that opens my heart and touches me deeply each and every time.
How sweet it is, Jerry, to be loved by you. For the next eight days, and
for the rest of my life, I'll be listening to everything Jerry. From Mother
McCree's to the Dead to songs on many albums he guested on (often
uncredited), to his many "side" projects, to those acoustic duet tapes of
Jerry and John Kahn. On Day Nine, however, I'll end with Disc 5 from the
"So Many Roads" Box Set, as I have every year since 2000. That's the disc
with "The Days Between," the joyful "Liberty," the poetic "Lazy River Road,"
the wonderful studio discussion leading into "Whiskey In The Jar," the heart
wrenching climax to "So Many Roads" from 7/9/95, and much more. Oh, Jerry.
I love you, I miss you, and I thank you for such wonderful times and music.
-Walt Wrzesniewski
Although it has been ten years.........it seems like just yesterday. I was one of the fortunate ones.....who found the music and it saved my soul from becoming this shell of nothingness. The drugs, power, con games weren't my deal. The music, knowledge and the joy were very powerful. Although the fans got such a terrible reputation for a minority of punks who had no consideration, I can honestly say there was so much knowledge and energy before it spun out of control.
I recently read the biography about Jerry's real struggles and isolated life......and I felt so stupid, like how could I have been in such a rose colored garden that I missed all the things going on with him. I was amazed at how ill he was, the true nature of how severe his addiction was, the isolation and yet (although I saw him on nights when he was definitely off) he managed to come back with a vengeance and play better than ever before after nearly dying. What a spirit. As I said, although I must admit I was saddened and surprised ( I cried when I read the book), it was not enough to stain the joy that you all gave me...you gave me, me!!!!
I just wish Jerry could have had the same joy.....and feel how it felt inside me when I heard him play. The way it felt when you were so happy that your face hurt from smiling and tears of joy were a part of the norm. He did perform for us individually, that I can say, and I was one of those front rowers who was so joyful I would cry and dance and leap. He sang to me on several occasions, one time we pointed at him in Maine when he played I need a miracle on lightening on a draw and he did a full strum, laughed and pointed right back at us. You just knew when he was paying attention and you had made him laugh, because his whole essence lit up and his playing got more enthusiastic. It was really a great interaction to have.
Thank you for the best 24 years of my life, for teaching me to be a real person with real values and for all the love you all shared, as well as the patience you had to exhibit. Wish I could have given you what you gave to me, a true understanding of who I was. For that I am eternally Grateful.
Happy Birthday Jerry. I will see you and sing with the loudest choir of angels with you in heaven. Till then "I'm gonna listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul"
Kayla
He supplied us with the things we needed most in life:
School- Grateful Dead
Church- JGB
So many roads, so many roads..............................
B
I had the nicest dream last night. My friend Kim and I were hanging out at some friends, and low and behold, there was Jerry and the JGB guys sitting around playing. We were the only ones sitting and listening, all others were playing frisbee, volleyball and the like.
Jerry looked at us and said, "well girls, what do you want to hear?" Kim immediately replied, Cats down under.
They played along, and then Jerry excused himself to use the men's room, and the thought occurred to me that I had to go to. So I got up headed to the ladies, and was going the wrong way, Jerry says to me, "hey clare, it's the door on the right, and by the way it is really nice to see you again."
Sweet dreams, Jerry.
Love Clare
Bloos for Jerry
Was he Captain Trips
or merely Crazy Fingers
does it really matter
the joy he gave still lingers
known to his mother as Jerome
but like Dylan there was
No Direction Home like Muddy Waters
Jerry was a Rolling Stone
though he never finished college
he had tremendous knowledge
sown in the songs of
many who had come before
songs as old as America
stories of our shared folklore
like Cotton's Freight Train
he was a strong link in
an Unbroken Chain
like a Ripple in time
he filled the many Spaces
and took us to far off places
in the Nexus of our Minds
yes there was ONEness
at shows some times
but now ten years have passed
since we've heard his voice
yes, he had his struggles
for he was only a man
and he paid a mighty price
to keep Playin in the Band
a price that only his wives
and children truly understand
but let us never forget
he was a great American......
10 long years, Jerry, and still a day doesn't pass that I don't give thanks at the unbelievable privilege of being witness to the music that changed my life. I still hear that music all the time, whether through a stereo or just swirling around in my mind - that unique music made with passion, humor, and your own generosity of spirit.
Thank you isn't enough; yet it's all that I have. Rest in peace, dear soul.
